Peter Bay - Curlew Beach
A more peaceful sleep on softer ground last night and we were in no rush to pack up this morning - we couldn't leave until the water came back up the beach, high enough for us to paddle over the rocks.
After about 1.5 hours of paddling north we reached the channel between Whitsunday and Hook Islands. The flow of the tide was quite slow at this time, but there was still quite a strong current washing through the channel. Picking the best line, we went up and over the swell like a roller coaster ride and were soon on the south-east coast of Hook Island.
Paddling past a few small bays, we soon saw Saba Bay with its three gorgeous little beaches which we couldn't paddle past without stopping for a bite to eat. Pulling out the good old salami, tuna, flatbread and left over salad we enjoyed lunch on a deserted beach.
Only a half hour paddle and we arrived at the beautiful Crayfish Beach, where we only had just enough water to paddle in over the the soon to be exposed coral. Setting up our tent on the sandy shelf, complete with bay views, was picture perfect. As we went out to the rocky point for a spot of rock fishing at low tide, we saw two kayakers arrive who unfortunately became stuck out on the water for two hours as they had to wait for the tide to come in. Not a good way to end a day.
Chris and I were on dinner duty that night and made friends with the thousand or so sand flies whilst we cooked our vege rice dish. Tonight was New Moon and during the night, I heard the gentle lapping of the waves only one meter from the front of the tent - now that's what I call waterside accommodation!
Total Paddle Distance Today = 17 km /4.5 hrs
Tips for climbing into this adventure:
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A more peaceful sleep on softer ground last night and we were in no rush to pack up this morning - we couldn't leave until the water came back up the beach, high enough for us to paddle over the rocks.After about 1.5 hours of paddling north we reached the channel between Whitsunday and Hook Islands. The flow of the tide was quite slow at this time, but there was still quite a strong current washing through the channel. Picking the best line, we went up and over the swell like a roller coaster ride and were soon on the south-east coast of Hook Island.
Paddling past a few small bays, we soon saw Saba Bay with its three gorgeous little beaches which we couldn't paddle past without stopping for a bite to eat. Pulling out the good old salami, tuna, flatbread and left over salad we enjoyed lunch on a deserted beach.Only a half hour paddle and we arrived at the beautiful Crayfish Beach, where we only had just enough water to paddle in over the the soon to be exposed coral. Setting up our tent on the sandy shelf, complete with bay views, was picture perfect. As we went out to the rocky point for a spot of rock fishing at low tide, we saw two kayakers arrive who unfortunately became stuck out on the water for two hours as they had to wait for the tide to come in. Not a good way to end a day.
Chris and I were on dinner duty that night and made friends with the thousand or so sand flies whilst we cooked our vege rice dish. Tonight was New Moon and during the night, I heard the gentle lapping of the waves only one meter from the front of the tent - now that's what I call waterside accommodation!Total Paddle Distance Today = 17 km /4.5 hrs
Tips for climbing into this adventure:
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- to see all the detail that the coastlines offer, stick close to shore whilst paddling
- to determine where the tide will be on the night you arrive, have a look on the beach for the highest line of shells/seaweed. Take a look at your tide chart and compare the numbers from the previous night to the current night. This will tell you how much higher or lower the tide will be
- sand makes a really good pillow - make a bit of a mound, perfect for your head
